Water control fixture having auxiliary functions

ABSTRACT

A water control fixture includes a housing having a plurality of ports defining a hot water inlet port, a cold water port, a fixture outlet port, and an auxiliary port. A flow control unit is configured to be selectively positioned in fluid communication with different combinations of the plurality of ports, wherein the flow control unit has a main passage in fluid communication with the hot water inlet port, the cold water port, and the fixture outlet port. The flow control unit controls the flow of water from the hot water inlet port and the cold water port to the fixture outlet port. The flow control unit has an auxiliary passage in fluid communication with the auxiliary port and at least one of the hot water inlet port, the cold water port, and the fixture outlet port to perform an auxiliary function.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/165,165 filed Jun. 30, 2008, titled “WATER CONTROL FIXTURE HAVINGAUXILIARY FUNCTIONS”, which claimed the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/958,145 filed Jul. 2, 2007, titled “WATER CONTROLFIXTURE HAVING AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS”, the subject matter of which isexpressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter herein relates generally to water circulatingsystems, and more particularly, to water control fixtures havingauxiliary functions.

Home and industrial water distribution systems distribute water tovarious fixtures, including sinks, bathtubs, showers, dishwashers andwashing machines, that are located throughout the house or industrialbuilding. The typical water distribution system brings water in from anexternal source, such as a city main water line or a private water well,to the internal water distribution piping system. The water from theexternal source is typically either at a cold or cool temperature. Onesegment of the piping system takes this incoming cold water anddistributes it to the various cold water connections located at thefixtures where it will be used (e.g., the cold water side of the faucetat the kitchen sink). Another segment of the piping system delivers theincoming cold water to a water heater which heats the water to thedesired temperature and distributes it to the various hot waterconnections where it will be used (e.g., the hot water side of thekitchen faucet). At the fixture, cold and hot water either flows throughseparate hot and cold water control valves that are independentlyoperated to control the temperature of the water into the fixture bycontrolling the flow rate of water from the separate valves, or thewater is mixed at a single valve that selectively controls the desiredwater temperature flowing from the fixture.

A problem with most home and industrial water distribution systems isthat hot water is not always readily available at the hot water side ofthe fixture when it is desired. This problem is particularly acute inwater use fixtures that are located a distance from the hot water heateror in systems with poorly insulated pipes. When the hot water side ofthese fixtures is left closed for some time, such as overnight, the hotwater in the hot water segment of the piping system sits in the pipesand cools. As a result, the temperature of the water between the hotwater heater and the fixture lowers until it becomes cold or at leasttepid. When opened again, it is not at all uncommon for the hot waterside of such a fixture to supply cold water through the hot water valvewhen it is first opened and for some time thereafter. At the sink,bathtub or shower fixture located away from the water heater, the persondesiring to use the fixture will either have to use cold or tepid waterinstead of hot water or wait for the distribution system to supply hotwater through the open hot water valve. Most users have learned that toobtain the desired hot water, the hot water valve must be opened andleft open for some time so that the cool water in the hot water side ofthe piping system will flow out ahead of the hot water. For certainfixtures, such as virtually all dishwashers and washing machines (whichare not usually provided with a bypass valve), there typically is nomethod of “draining” away the cold or tepid water in the hot water pipesprior to utilizing the water in the fixture.

The inability to have hot water at the hot water side of the fixturewhen it is desired creates a number of problems. One problem is havingto utilize cold or tepid water when hot water is desired. This is aparticular problem for the dishwasher and washing machine fixtures inthat hot water is often desired for improved operation of thoseappliances. Certain dirty dishes and clothes are much easier to clean inhot water as opposed to cold or tepid water. Even in those fixtureswhere the person can let the cold or tepid water flow out of the fixtureuntil it reaches the desired warm or hot temperature, there are certainproblems associated with such a solution. One such problem is the wasteof water that flows out of the fixture through the drain and, typically,to the sewage system. This good and clean water is wasted (resulting inunnecessary water treatment after flowing through the sewage system).Water waste is compounded when the person is inattentive and hot waterbegins flowing down the drain and to the sewage system. Yet anotherproblem associated with the inability to have hot water at the hot watervalve when needed is the waste of time for the person who must wait forthe water to reach the desired temperature.

The use of bypass valves and/or water recirculation systems in home orindustrial water distribution systems to overcome the problems describedabove have been known for some time. However, these water recirculationsystems have problems and limitations. For example, these waterrecirculation systems are typically operated by a pump and the pump mustbe operated for a certain cycle time to dispel all of the cooled waterfrom the hot water pipe system before hot water is available at thefixture. Problems arise when hot water is desired at the fixture beforethe end of a cycle, or when the pump is not running However, constantlyrunning the pump so that hot water is always available is noteconomical. Accordingly, the above mentioned problems (e.g. waste ofwater) are still prevalent in water recirculation systems today.

An additional problem with known bypass valves is that the bypass valveis typically a separate component that is plumbed into the waterdelivery system of the fixture. As such, an additional connection mustbe made to install the bypass valve into the system. Additionally, thebypass valve may take up space at the fixture location and may take timeto install. Moreover, the additional connections provide potential areasfor leaking, which may cause damage to the home or fixture.

Another problem with known bypass valves is that the bypass valves aredesigned to be installed into a particular type of recirculation system.However, there are multiple types of systems available within homestoday. For example, some recirculation systems permit recirculation flowthrough the cold water supply pipes back to the water heater. Otherrecirculation systems permit recirculation flow through a dedicated hotwater return pipe back to the water heater. Bypass valves havingdifferent designs are required to attach to one system or the othersystem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a water control fixture includes a housing having aplurality of ports defining a hot water inlet port, a cold water port, afixture outlet port, and an auxiliary port, wherein water is dispensedfrom the housing via the fixture outlet port. A flow control unit isconfigured to be selectively positioned in fluid communication withdifferent combinations of the plurality of ports, wherein the flowcontrol unit has a main passage in fluid communication with the hotwater inlet port, the cold water port, and the fixture outlet port. Theflow control unit controls the flow of water from the hot water inletport and the cold water port to the fixture outlet port. The flowcontrol unit has an auxiliary passage in fluid communication with theauxiliary port and at least one of the hot water inlet port, the coldwater port, and the fixture outlet port to perform an auxiliaryfunction.

Optionally, the auxiliary port may define a dedicated return portconfigured to be in fluid communication with a dedicated hot waterreturn line, wherein the auxiliary passage of the flow control unitincludes a bypass passage in fluid communication with the dedicatedreturn port and the hot water inlet port, and wherein the flow controlunit permits recirculating flow through the bypass passage. The watercontrol fixture may include an antiscald device in fluid communicationwith the auxiliary port, wherein the antiscald device shuts off flowfrom the fixture outlet port when the water pressure is above apredetermined amount. The antiscald device may change the flow from oneof the hot water inlet port, the cold water port and the auxiliary portto change the mixture of the water dispensed from the fixture outletport when the water temperature is above a predetermined amount.Optionally, the water control fixture includes a pressure balance devicein fluid communication with the auxiliary port, wherein the pressurebalance device changes a mixture ratio of water from at least one of thehot water inlet port, the cold water inlet port and the auxiliary portwhen a pressure of the water flowing through at least one of the hotwater inlet port, the cold water port and the auxiliary port fluctuates.

In another embodiment, a water control fixture is provided that includesa housing having at least four ports and a flow control unit operativelyassociated with the housing and the at least four ports. The flowcontrol unit fluidly couples the at least four ports in multiplecombinations of ports to perform different functions, wherein a firstset of the ports is fluidly coupled to perform a first function and asecond set of the ports is fluidly coupled to perform a second function.

In a further embodiment, a water control fixture is provided including ahousing having a chamber and a plurality of ports in fluid communicationwith the chamber. The plurality of ports define a hot water inlet port,a bypass port, and a fixture outlet port, wherein water is dispensed viathe fixture outlet port. A flow control unit is received within thechamber and is in fluid communication with the plurality of ports forcontrolling the flow of water from the hot water inlet port to thefixture outlet port and for controlling the flow of water from the hotwater inlet port to the bypass port. The flow control unit opens topermit a flow of water from the hot water inlet port to the bypass portbased on an activation condition. Optionally, the activation conditionmay be based on a pressure of the water within the flow control unitsuch that when the pressure is above a predetermined amount, water ispermitted to flow from the hot water inlet port to the bypass port.Alternatively, the activation condition may be based on a temperature ofthe water within the flow control unit such that when the temperature isbelow a predetermined amount, water is permitted to flow from the hotwater inlet port to the bypass port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a water circulation system and fixture utilizing avalve assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side cutaway view of a prior art valve assembly.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary fixture for use with the watercirculation system.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the fixture shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the fixture shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates a water circulation system and fixture utilizing avalve assembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a valve portion of the fixture shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary valve assembly for the watercirculation system shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view showing a water circulation system 10and fixture 12 utilizing a valve assembly 14 in accordance with anexemplary embodiment. In order to achieve the desired circulation flow,a single circulating pump 16 is utilized as part of a piping system 18of the water circulating system 10. The pump 16 may be a single, smallpump of the type used in residential hot water space heating. To avoidreduced flow, a check valve 20 can be plumbed in parallel with the pump16 or incorporated within the pump housing, to pass a flow rateexceeding the pump's capacity around the pump 16. When the pump 16 ispowered and flow demand is low, the check valve 20 prevents the boostedflow from re-circulating back to its own inlet.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 16 is located at or near a waterheater 22 in the discharge piping or hot water piping. While aconventional home water heater is illustrated in FIG. 1, it is realizedthat other types of water heaters may be used, such as a tankless waterheater. When operated, the pump 16 boosts the pressure in the hot waterpiping somewhat above that in the cold water pipes (e.g., perhaps one tothree feet of boost) causing a pressure differential in the hot waterpiping. With this arrangement, only one pump 16 per plumbing system(e.g., per water heater) is required with any reasonable number ofremote faucet sets (e.g., the typical number used in residences). Inalternative embodiments, the pump 16 may be located in other pumplocations, such as in the hot water piping near the fixture 12, at thefixture 12, in the supply piping near the water heater 22, or the like.

In one embodiment, the pump 16 may operate twenty-four hours a day, withmost of the time in the no flow mode. However, this is unnecessary andwasteful of electricity. Alternatively, the pump 16 can have a timer 24to turn on the pump 16 daily at one or more times during the day justbefore those occasions when hot water is usually needed the most (e.g.,for morning showers, evening cooking, etc.) and be set to operatecontinuously for the period during which hot water is usually desired.This still could be unnecessary and wasteful of electricity. Anotheralternative is to have the timer 24 cycle the pump 16 on and offregularly during the period when hot water is in most demand. The “on”cycles should be of sufficient duration to bring hot water to all remotefixtures 12, and the “off” period would be set to approximate the usualtime it takes the water in the lines to cool-down to minimum acceptabletemperature. By using a time-of-day control timer 24, the pump 16operates to maintain “instant hot water” only during periods of the daywhen hot water is commonly desired. During the off-cycle times, theplumbing system operates just as if the pump 16 were not in place. Thissaves electrical power usage from pump operation and, more importantly,avoids the periodic introduction of hot water into relativelyuninsulated pipes during the off-hours, thereby saving the cost ofrepeatedly reheating this water. The time-of-day control also avoidsconsiderable wear and tear on the pump 16. Considerable additionalbenefits are gained by using a cyclic timer 24, with or without thetime-of-day control.

Optionally, a sensor 26 may be provided within the water circulationsystem 10 to detect flow characteristics of water within the watercirculation system 10, such as in the supply pipes. The sensor 26 may beused with or without the timer 24 to control the operation of the pump16. The sensor 26 may be located at the pump 16 or the sensor 26 may belocated elsewhere in the system, such as at the fixture, at the coldwater pipe, at the hot water pipe, at the water heater 22, and the like.The sensor 26 may be sized to detect significant flows only (e.g., thoseflows that are much larger than flows through the valve assembly 14),such as a shower flowing. Optionally, the sensor 26 may constitute aflow sensor that operates to detect a flow characteristic of actual flowof water through the pipes or through the pump 16. The sensor 26 mayalso be coupled with an electrical switch, such as a reed switch, forcontrolling a component within the water circulation system 10, such asthe pump 16, a valve, and the like. Optionally, the sensor 26 may be, ormay include, a transducer.

In an alternative embodiment, the sensor 26 may constitute a pressuresensor that operates to detect a flow characteristic of either apressure value at a particular point within the water circulation system10, or a change in pressure within the water circulation system 10 todetect flow. Alternatively, the sensor 26 may constitute a temperaturesensor that operates to detect a flow characteristic of temperature,such as a temperature value or a change in temperature to detect flow ofwater through the water circulation system 10. Alternatively, the sensor26 may constitute a manually activated switch, a push button switch, amotion detector, a photo-detector, a noise detector, an infrared sensor,a door sensor, a floor pressure sensor, or an appliance activationsensor for activating the pump 16.

The sensor 26 may be located proximate (e.g. at or near) the supplypipes, proximate the return pipes, proximate the pump 16, proximate thewater heater 22, proximate the valve assembly 14, proximate the fixture12, within the same room as the fixture 12, within the piping system, orelsewhere within the building housing the water circulation system 10.In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 includes a first sensor 26(e.g. a flow sensor) near the water heater 22, attached to the hot watersupply pipe, a second sensor 26 (e.g. a manually activated sensor)within the room having the fixture 12, and a third sensor 26 (e.g. atemperature sensor) in the return pipe. The third sensor may bepositioned near the water heater 22, or alternatively, near the fixture12, wherein the closer the third sensor 26 is to the fixture, thequicker the temperature in the return pipe may be sensed. The returnpipe may be a dedicated return pipe 30 from the fixture 12 or may be thecold water supply pipe, through which recirculation flow is permitted.The location of the switches 26 depends upon factors such as the type ofsensor 26, the type of system 10, the preference of the user, new orexisting construction of the building, and the like.

The sensor 26 may communicate with a controller 28, which in turncommunicates with the pump 16. The communication may be wired orwireless. The controller 28 may be separately provided from the pump 16and the sensor 26, or alternatively, may be integral with the pump 16and/or the sensor 26. In another alternative embodiment, the sensor 26may communicate directly with the pump 16. The timer 24 may alsocommunicate with the controller 28, and may be integral with thecontroller 28. In one embodiment, when the cyclic timer 24 is used, thesensor 26 may be wired in series with the pump motor, and the sensor 26may prevent the motor from cycling if an existing flow is detected atthe moment the timer calls for pump on. The use of such a sensor 26accomplishes several useful objectives, including reducing electricalpower usage and extending pump life if hot water is already flowing andthere is no need for the pump to operate, avoiding a sudden temperaturerise and the likelihood of scalding that could result from the pumpboost if water is being drawn from a “mixing” valve (such as a shower orsingle handle faucet) and allowing use of a “large” pump (now that thedanger of scalding is eliminated) with its desirable low pressure dropat high faucet flows, thereby eliminating the need for the parallelcheck valve 20 required with a “small” pump.

In alternative embodiments, the water circulation system 10 may alsoinclude at least one temperature sensor coupled to the pipes of thewater circulation system 10 for providing temperature feedback to thepump 16. For example, the sensor 26 may be placed proximate and/ordownstream of the most remote fixture within the water circulationsystem 10. The sensor 26 may be placed near the water heater 22 in adedicated return pipe or the cold water return pipe. The operation ofthe pump 16 may be controlled by the temperature sensor, such as byturning the pump 16 on when the temperature of the water reaches apredetermined threshold, or alternatively, falls by a predeterminedamount or at a predetermined rate. Similarly, the pump 16 may be turnedoff when the temperature of the water reaches a predetermined threshold,or alternatively, rises by a predetermined amount or at a predeterminedrate. In another alternative embodiment, the pump 16 may be controlledbased on the flow of water within the water circulation system 10. Forexample, by using the sensor 26 as a flow detector (e.g. a flow sensor,a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and the like), the operation ofthe pump 16 may be controlled based on flow characteristics of the waterin the water circulation system 10. For example, when a user demands hotwater, such as by turning on the faucet, the flow of water through thepipes and/or the pump may be detected and the pump 16 may be turned on.Other demand-type sensors may be provided to turn the pump on, such aspressing a manual switch, or by activating another type of sensor suchas an IR sensor.

The valve assembly 14 includes a valve body 32 which is illustratedschematically in FIG. 1. The valve body 32 includes a bypass portion 34,which includes a bypass control unit for controlling the flow of waterthrough the bypass portion 34. In an exemplary embodiment, a hot watersupply line 36 and a cold water supply line 38 are both connected to thevalve body 32. In homes or buildings that have a dedicated return line30, the dedicated return line 30 is also connected to the valve body 32.The bypass portion 34 creates a flow path between the hot water supplyline and at least one of the dedicated return line 30 and the cold watersupply line 38. Cooled water from the hot supply line 36 is directedthrough the bypass portion 34 into the dedicated return line 30 or thecold supply line 38, and ultimately back to the water heater 22.Optionally, rather than directly connecting the hot supply, cold supplyand dedicated return lines 36, 38, 30 to the valve body 32, fixturesupply lines, such as flexible hoses, may be used to interconnecttherebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve body 32 and bypassportion 34 may be formed from a single integral body. Alternatively, thevalve body 32 and bypass portions 34 may be formed from two or moreportions that are separately fabricated and coupled to one another. Inanother alternative embodiment, an interconnection, such as a coupler oreven a flexible pipe, may be provided between the portions.

FIG. 2 is a side cutaway view of a prior art valve assembly 40 that isadapted to be coupled between the hot and cold supply lines 36, 38 ofthe water circulation system 10 (shown in FIG. 1). The valve assembly istypically mounted within a cabinet below the fixture. The valve assembly40 is not configured to be connected to a dedicated return line, such asreturn line 30 shown in FIG. 1.

The valve assembly 40 includes a valve body 42 that is generallytubular, and in the illustrated embodiment, is a single, unitary memberhaving a first end 50, a second end 52 and a separating wall 54 disposedbetween the first end 50 and the second end 52. A passage 56 extendsfrom the separating wall 54 to the second end 52. The passage 56interconnects the first end 50 and the second end 52 and allows fluid toflow therethrough. In one embodiment, the valve body 42 is manufacturedout of a molded plastic material having relatively high strength andchemical/corrosion resistant characteristics. The molded plasticmaterial provides the ability to manufacture the valve body 42 utilizinginjection molding processes with the design based on the configurationdescribed herein without the need for expensive casting or machiningAlternatively, the valve body 42 can be manufactured from variousplastics, reinforced plastics or metals that are suitable for “soft”plumbing loads and resistant to hot chlorinated water under pressure.

The valve body 42 has four threaded ports, an axial and radial port atthe first end 50 and an axial and radial port at the second end 52. Thefirst end 50 is designated to receive and discharge hot water and thesecond end 52 is designated to receive and discharge cold water from asource of cold water, such as a city water supply system or a localwater well. While other configurations are possible in alternativeembodiments, in the illustrated embodiment, the axial ports aredesignated as inlet ports and the radial ports are designated asdischarge ports. For example, at the first end 50 (the hot water side)is a first inlet port 58 and a first discharge port 60 and at the secondend 52 (the cold water side) is a second inlet port 62 and seconddischarge port 64. Conversely, the radial ports can be the inlet portsand the axial ports can be the discharge ports, or a combinationthereof. Additionally, more or less ports may be provided, such as asingle discharge port. As discussed in detail below, the first andsecond inlet ports 58, 62 connect to the hot and cold water distributionsystem and the first and second discharge ports 60, 64 connect to thehot and cold water valves on the fixture (i.e., sink, shower, bathtub oretc.) with which the valve assembly 40 is utilized.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bypass portion 34 of the valve body 42includes a flow control unit for controlling the flow of water throughthe bypass portion 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow controlunit is represented by a thermally sensitive actuating element 80.However, in alternative embodiments, other types of devices may be usedto control flow through the bypass portion. For example, the device maybe electrically actuated, hydraulically actuated, pneumaticallyactuated, and the like. The flow control unit may be thermally actuated,such as the actuating element 80 or other types of thermally actuateddevices, or the flow control unit may be actuated in response to othertypes of stimuli, such as pressure, flow, manual activation, and thelike.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 42 houses the thermallysensitive actuating element 80 in addition to a bias spring 82, anover-travel spring 84, first and second screens 85 and 86, first andsecond retaining pins 87 and 88, and may house a check valve 89. Thethermally sensitive actuating element 80 may be of the wax filledcartridge type, also referred to as wax motors, having an actuator body90 and an integral piston/poppet rod member 92. The rod member 92includes a poppet 94 attached to a piston 96 with an intermediate flange98 thereon. The piston 96 of the rod member 92 interconnects the poppet94 with the actuator body 90. An end 100 of the poppet 94 seats againsta valve seat 102 at the separating wall 54 to close the passage 56. Theactuator body 90 has a section 104 of increased diameter to seat againsta shoulder 106 in the valve body 42. The over-travel spring 84 abutsagainst one side of the section 104 and the opposed side of the section104 abuts against the shoulder 106.

An internal shoulder 108 is provided inside valve body 42 at an end ofthe passage 56 for fixedly receiving and positioning one end of the biasspring 82. The other end of the bias spring 82 engages the rod member92, and generally forces the rod member 92 toward the actuator body 90.Optionally, the valve assembly 40 may be operated without the biasspring 82. For example, the actuating element 80 may be formed using ashape memory alloy that has linear memory characteristics, such as, butnot limited to, a nickel-titanium alloy, a copper-zinc-aluminum alloy, acopper-aluminum-nickel alloy, and the like.

Retaining pin holes 110 are provided in the valve body 42 for receivingthe retaining pins 87 and 88. The first end 50 is molded with aretaining slot 112 for receiving with the check valve 89 and theretaining pin 87 is used to hold the check valve 89 in place. The firstscreen 85 is also positioned in the passage 56 and retained by the firstretaining pin 87. The screen 85 can be a small wire fabric, mesh-typescreen that is shaped and configured to fit within the first end 50 ofthe valve body 42. The screen 85 is utilized to keep hard water limeparticles and other detritus out of the bypass portion 34. As such, thedebris and/or minerals do not interfere with the operation of theactuating element 80, such as by blocking the closing of the passage 56by the poppet 94.

As described above, the section 104 of the actuator body 90 having anincreased diameter seats against the shoulder 106. The over-travelspring 84 is disposed between the section 104 and the second retainingpin 88 located inside valve body 42 proximate the second end 52. Theover-travel spring 84 prevents damage to a fully restrained actuatingelement 80 heated above a maximum operating temperature and to hold theactuating element 80 in place during operation without concern fornormal tolerance. The over-travel spring 84 allows movement of theactuator body 90 away from the shoulder 106 in the event thattemperature rises substantially. Without this relief, the expanding waxwould distort the casing, destroying the calibrated set point. Theover-travel spring 84 also holds the bias spring 82, rod member 92 andactuator body 90 in place without the need to adjust for the stack-up ofaxial tolerances. Alternatively, the actuating element 80 can be fixedlyplaced inside the valve body 42 by various mechanisms known in the art,including adhesives and the like. The over-travel spring 84 can be heldin place by various internal configurations commonly known in the art,such as a molded seat. In an exemplary embodiment, however, theover-travel spring 84 abuts against the second screen 86, which is heldin place by the second retaining pin 88. The screen 86 can be a smallwire fabric, mesh-type screen that is shaped and configured to fitwithin the second end 52 of the valve body 42. The screen 86 is utilizedto keep hard water lime particles and other detritus out of the bypassportion 34 and to act as a seat for the over-travel spring 84.

In operation, the actuating element 80 is movable between an openposition and a closed position. In the open position, water is allowedto flow through the passage 56 from the first end 50 to the second end52. As such, water flows from the hot side to the cold side of the valveassembly 40. In this way, the cooled water may be dispelled from the hotwater lines, thus bringing hot water to the hot side of the valveassembly 40 for dispensing at the fixture. In the closed position, thepoppet 94 seats against the valve seat 102 and water is restricted fromflowing through the passage 56.

In the exemplary embodiment, the actuating element 80 is movable betweenthe open and closed positions based on a temperature of the water. Forexample, the actuator body 90 includes a wax or a mixture of wax andmetal powder (i.e., copper powder) enclosed in the actuator body 90 bymeans of a membrane made of elastomer or the like. Upon heating, the waxor wax with copper powder mixture slowly expands, thereby pushing thepiston 96 and poppet 94 in an outward direction. Upon cooling, the waxor wax/copper powder mixture contracts and the rod member 92 is pushedinward by the bias spring 82 until the flange 98 contacts the actuatorbody 90 at an actuator seat. The wax filled cartridge type of thermalactuator allows the wax to be formulated to change from the solid to theliquid state at a particular desired temperature. The rate of expansionwith respect to temperature at this change of state results in almostsnap action of the actuating element 80. The temperature set point isequal to a preset value, such as 97 degrees Fahrenheit, desired for thehot water. A “sudden” large physical motion is provided over a smalltemperature change, such as, for example, 5 degrees. Additionally, thehigher the temperature of the water flowing past the actuating element80, the more the actuating element 80 expands. As stated above, thismovement is reacted by the bias spring 82, which returns the rod member92 as the temperature falls. In alternative embodiments, a wax blend maybe used having a gradual expansion rather than a sudden or snap action.For example, a mix of waxes, each having different temperatures at whichthe wax turns from a solid to a liquid, may be combined to provide asteady closing action rather than the snap action. These waxes may becombined into the same blend or may be individually provided, andseparated from one another, within the actuator body 90. In otheralternative embodiments, other types of thermal actuators, such asbimetallic springs and memory alloys (i.e., Nitinol and the like) may beutilized. The valve body 42 is designed so the components of the bypassportion 32 can fit through either of the inlet and/or discharge ports,such as with a snap-in fit. In this manner, no intermediate oradditional joints are required for installation.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary fixture 12 with a decorativecover portion of the fixture 12 removed showing a fixture housing orbody 120. FIG. 4 is a side view of the fixture 12. FIG. 5 is a sectionalview of the fixture 12. The bypass portion 34 of the fixture 12 isadapted for permitting recirculating flow through the fixture 12, asdescribed in further detail below. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 3-5, the fixture 12 represents one type of sink faucet, such as asingle handle sink faucet. It is realized that other types of faucetsmay be used, such as double handle faucets, dual spout faucets, and thelike.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the hot supply line 36, cold supplyline 38 and dedicated return line 30 are each connected to the fixturehousing 120. The hot supply line 36 is connected to a hot water inletport 124. The cold supply line 38 is connected to a cold water inletport 126. The dedicated return line is connected to a dedicated hotwater return port 128. An outlet spout 130 is coupled to the fixturehousing 120 at a discharge port 132. Optionally, multiple spouts andoutlet ports may be provided on the fixture housing 120. An internalflow control unit 134, such as a pivoting and rotating ball, may beintegrated into the housing 120. In an alternative embodiment, the flowcontrol unit 134 may be another type of flow control device, such as acartridge type of valve. The flow control unit 134 selectively andadjustably controls the volume and/or temperature of the flow of waterby connecting the hot and cold lines 36, 38 to the outlet spout 130.Other types of flow control devices may similarly be used to control thevolume and/or temperature of the flow of water to the outlet spout 130.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the fixture 12. The flowcontrol unit 134 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 5 and shown inphantom. The flow control unit 134 is fluidly coupled to the hot waterinlet port 124 by a hot water passage 136 within the fixture housing120. The flow control unit 134 is also fluidly coupled to the cold waterinlet port 126 by a cold water passage 138 within the fixture housing120. The flow control unit mixes the hot and cold water and dispensesthe mixed water through the discharge port 132 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4).For example, the flow control unit 134 may be moved such that the flowcontrol unit 134 is selectively positionable to control the amount ofwater being supplied from each of the passages 136, 138. The flowcontrol unit 134 may be translated or rotated to different positions.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bypass portion 34 of the fixture 12includes a bypass passage 140 interconnecting the hot water passage 136with the dedicated return port 128 and the cold water passage 138. Assuch, hot water recirculation is permitted through either the returnport 128 or the cold water passage 138 and then the cold water inletport 126. The particular type of recirculation (e.g. dedicated return orcold water line return) may be selected during installation of thefixture 12. As such, the fixture 12 may be utilized in different typesof plumbing systems within the particular home/building. If thehome/building were equipped with a hot water dedicated return line, thenthe dedicated return line 30 is plumbed to the return port 128. However,if the home/building were not equipped with a dedicated return line,then the fixture 12 would be plumbed to the hot and cold supply lines36, 38, and recirculation would occur through the cold supply line 38.In such an embodiment, flow through the return port 128 may berestricted by a flow restriction device, such as by a plug 142 that isreceived within an end of the return port 128. The plug 142 is removablewith respect to the valve body 32 (shown in FIG. 1), to allow for one ofthe alternative plumbing methods. Optionally, the plug 142 may bethreadably coupled to the fixture housing 120. Alternatively, the plug142 may be secured to the fixture housing 120 by an alternativefastening means, such as soldering.

In an alternative embodiment, rather than a plug, the flow restrictiondevice may include a valve, such as a three-way valve that is coupledto, or received within, the fixture housing 120 to selectively controlthe flow of water therethrough. For example, in a first position, thethree-way valve may allow flow from the hot side to the cold water inletport 126 and restrict flow to the dedicated hot water return port 128.In a second position, the three-way valve may restrict flow from the hotside to the cold water inlet port 126 and allow flow to the dedicatedhot water return port 128. As such, when the fixture housing 120 isinstalled, the three-way valve may be selectively positioned based onthe type of recirculation system being used within the particularhome/building (e.g. dedicated return or cold water line return).Alternatively, another type of valve, such as a gate valve or a ballvalve may be provided within the fixture housing 120 to restrict flowonly to the dedicated hot water return port 128. As such, if the fixturehousing 120 is being used with a dedicated return line type of system,the valve may be opened, allowing flow to the return port 128, but if acold return line system is used, the valve may remain closed.

Flow through the bypass portion 34 is controlled by a bypass flowcontrol unit 150, which is illustrated schematically in FIG. 5. Thebypass flow control unit 150 is positioned within the bypass passage 140that is downstream of the hot water passage 136. Optionally, the bypassflow control unit 150 may be a thermally sensitive actuating element,such as the actuating element 80 illustrated in FIG. 2. Alternatively,the bypass flow control unit 150 may be a different type of device forcontrolling the flow of water through the bypass passage 140, such as awax motor type of device, an electrically actuated valve, a solenoidcontrolled bypass valve, a needle-type bypass valve, a hydraulicallyactuated valve, a pneumatically actuated valve, and the like. The bypassflow control unit 150 is generally operated to restrict or allow flowthrough the bypass portion 34 based on at least one predeterminedcharacteristic, such as time, water temperature, water pressure, waterflow rate, a manual activation, and the like. Optionally, the bypasspassage 140 may have an opening sized approximately the same as the hotwater passage 136, which allows a high flow rate of water therethroughto quickly re-circulate water through the fixture 12. Alternatively, awall may be provided with a small opening to the bypass passage 140 toallow a smaller flow of water through the bypass passage 140, whichallows a low flow rate of water therethrough to more slowly re-circulatewater through the fixture 12. Alternatively, when the bypass portion 34is used for an alternative function other than hot water recirculation,the bypass passage 140 may be used to interconnect the bypass portion 34with at least one of the hot water inlet port 124 and/or the cold waterinlet port 126.

In an exemplary embodiment that utilizes the dedicated hot water returnport 128 to recirculate the water through the fixture 12, a wall 152(shown in phantom in FIG. 5) may be provided to separate the hot andcold sides of the fixture 12. In particular, the wall 152 restrictswater flow from the hot water inlet port 124 to the cold water inletport 126, and vice versa. Recirculation through the fixture 12 ispermitted only through the dedicated hot water return port 128. In suchan embodiment, no plug 142 is used to restrict flow through the returnport 128.

The fixture 12 may also utilize at least one flow restrictor, such as acheck valve 154, to control the flow of water through the bypass passage140 in addition to the bypass flow control unit 150. While the followingdescription of the flow restrictors are in terms of check valves 154,the flow restrictors are not intended to be limited to check valves.FIG. 5 illustrates four exemplary locations for the check valves 154,namely A, B, C and D. In an exemplary embodiment, two check valves 154are provided, with one at location A and another at any of locations B,C or D. Arrows are provided to indicate the flow direction through thecheck valves 154. The check valve 154 at location A restricts water flowfrom the cold side of the fixture 12 into the hot side of the fixture12. The check valve at any of locations B, C or D restricts water flowfrom the dedicated return port 128 into the hot side of the fixture 12.

The check valves 154 allow water to flow therethrough when the waterpressure is above a predetermined threshold. For example, when the pump16 is operated, and when the bypass flow control unit 150 is open, thepressure of the water is great enough to overcome the force holding thecheck valve closed. For example, a spring is used to hold a ball againsta seat within the check valve 154. When the pump 16 is operated, thepressure of the water flowing through the hot water inlet port isgreater than the spring force holding the ball against the seat, and thecheck valve 154 is opened, which allows water to flow therethrough. Inan exemplary embodiment, the check valve 154 at location A has adifferent, higher, spring pre-load the check valve 154 at location B, Cor D such that the force needed to overcome the spring force holding thecheck valve 154 at location A closed is higher then the force needed toovercome the spring force holding the check valve at location B, C or Dclosed. As such, the spring of check valve 154 at location A is a heavyspring and the spring of check valve 154 at location B, C or D is alight spring. The different spring pre-loads are particularly usefulwhen the recirculating flow is desired through the dedicated hot waterreturn port 128 (e.g. the plug 142 is removed and a dedicated return iscoupled to the return port 128) and when the check valve 154 is atlocation B, such that the water flowing through the bypass passage 140is first directed through the check valve 154 at location B because thecheck valve 154 at location B has a lower spring pre-load. As long asthe check valve at location B is open, the pressure of the water shouldnot exceed the spring pre-load of the check valve 154 at location A. Assuch, all recirculating flow occurs through the dedicated hot waterreturn port 128 and not through the cold water inlet port 126.Additionally, once the bypass flow control unit 150 is closed (e.g. thetemperature of the water is at an acceptable level), then water isrestricted from flowing to either the dedicated hot water return port128 or the cold water inlet port 126.

In an alternative embodiment, a flow restrictor, such as a check valve154, may be positioned only at location B to restrict water from flowingfrom the dedicated hot water return port 128 into the bypass passage140. The check valve 154 allows water flow from the bypass passage 140when the pump 16 is operated and when the bypass flow control unit 150is open. Optionally, the bypass flow control unit 150 may not beprovided within the bypass portion 34. Rather, the check valve 154controls the flow within the bypass portion 34. Such a system defines apressure based bypass system, in that the pressure differential createdby the pump drives the flow through the bypass portion 34.

FIG. 6 illustrates the water circulation system 10 and an alternativefixture 212, represented by a tub/shower type of fixture, in accordancewith another exemplary embodiment. However, the fixture 212 may beanother fixture type such as a dishwasher, a washing machine, and thelike in other alternative embodiments. The fixture 212 utilizes a valveassembly 214, which is illustrated in FIG. 6 as a tub/shower valve 214.

The water circulation system 10 is similar to the water circulationsystem 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, and like components are identified withlike reference numerals. For example, the water circulation system 10includes the circulating pump 16 to achieve the desired circulation flowthrough the piping system 18. The pump 16 is located at or near thewater heater 22. When operated, the pump 16 boosts the pressure in thehot water piping somewhat above that in the cold water pipes (e.g.,perhaps one to three feet of boost) causing a pressure differential inthe hot water piping.

The valve assembly 214 includes a valve body or housing 232 which isillustrated schematically in FIG. 6. The valve body 232 may include abypass portion 234, which includes a bypass control unit for controllingthe flow of water through the bypass portion 234. In an exemplaryembodiment, the hot water supply line 36 and the cold water supply line38 are both connected to the valve body 232. In homes or buildings thathave the dedicated return line 30, the dedicated return line 30 is alsoconnected to the valve body 232. The bypass portion 234 creates a flowpath between the hot water supply line 36 and at least one of thededicated return line 30 and the cold water supply line 38. Cooled waterfrom the hot supply line 36 is directed through the bypass portion 234into the dedicated return line 30 or the cold supply line 38, andultimately back to the water heater 22.

As is well known, many homes have a combination shower and tub fixture212 whereby the same valve assembly 214 is used to control the flow andtemperature to the shower and the tub. A selector valve (not shown) isused to select the flow between the shower and the tub. A similar valveassembly 214 may be used for systems having only a shower or a tub, withthe exception that such valve assemblies only have one discharge port(e.g. connected to either the shower or the tub faucet). In theshower/tub fixture 212, the valve assembly 214 with associated bypassportion 234, distributes water to a shower head assembly 240 through ashower line 242 and to a tub faucet 244 through a tub line 246. A flowcontrol unit is used to control the flow and temperature of water to theshower head assembly 240 or tub faucet 242. The valve assembly 214includes a first discharge port 248 in fluid communication with theshower line 242 and a second discharge port 250 in fluid communicationwith the tub line 246. Optionally, a single flow control unit may beutilized. Alternatively, multiple flow control units may be used tocontrol the flow of hot and cold water separately.

The valve assembly 214 is generally positioned at least partially behinda support wall 252 that forms part of the shower and/or tub enclosureand which is used to support the shower head assembly 240 and the tubfaucet 244. Because access to the valve assembly 214 is important formaintenance, repair or replacement of the valve assembly 214, the valveassembly 214 is generally placed behind an opening 254 in the supportwall 252 specifically configured for accessing the valve assembly 214.Typically a removable plate 256, commonly referred to as an escutcheonplate, is used to cover the opening 254.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the valve assembly 214 for the fixture 212(shown in FIG. 6). The valve body 232 includes a plurality of inletports, such as a hot water inlet port 260 and a cold water inlet port262. The valve body 232 also includes an auxiliary port 264 allowing anauxiliary flow through the valve assembly 214. In an exemplaryembodiment, the auxiliary port 264 defines a dedicated hot water returnport 264 that is configured to be coupled to the dedicated return line30. Alternatively, rather than use as a dedicated return port for anauxiliary bypass function, the auxiliary port 264 may be used foranother auxiliary function, such as an antiscald function, a pressurebalance function, or another function for the valve assembly 214 thatmay make use of an auxiliary port.

In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary port 264 defines thededicated hot water return port 264. The bypass portion 234 includes abypass passage 266 therein. Flow through the bypass portion 234 iscontrolled by a bypass flow control unit 270, which is illustratedschematically in FIG. 7. The flow control unit 270 is positioned withinthe bypass passage 266. Optionally, the bypass flow control unit 270 maybe a thermally sensitive actuating element, such as the actuatingelement 80 illustrated in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the bypass flow controlunit 270 may be a different type of device for controlling the flow ofwater through the bypass passage 266, such as a wax motor type ofdevice, an electrically actuated valve, a solenoid controlled bypassvalve, a needle-type bypass valve, a hydraulically actuated valve, apneumatically actuated valve, and the like.

In one exemplary embodiment, the bypass passage 266 is fluidly coupledto the hot water inlet port 260 by a hot water bypass passage 272 withinthe valve body 232. The bypass passage 266 may also be fluidly coupledto the cold water inlet port 262 by a cold water bypass passage 274within the valve body 232. As such, recirculation may be accomplishedthrough the cold water inlet port 262, such as when a dedicated returnline 30 is not connected to the valve assembly 214. Alternatively, whenthe bypass portion 234 is used for an alternative function other thanhot water recirculation, the cold water bypass passage 274 may be usedto interconnect the bypass portion 234 with the cold water inlet port262. Optionally, the bypass portion 234 may include check valvestherein, similar to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5,to control the flow of water through the bypass passage 266.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a water control fixture 300 that may beused within the water circulation system 10 (shown in FIG. 1 or 6). Forexample, the fixture 300 may be a sink/spout type of fixture, atub/shower type of fixture, an appliance type of fixture, or anothertype of fixture utilized within the water circulation system 10. Thewater control fixture 300 includes a housing or body 302 having aplurality of ports 304. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 302includes four ports 304, however, more ports may be provided inalternative embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the four ports304 represent a hot water inlet port 306, a cold water port 308, adischarge port 310 and an auxiliary port 312.

In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 302 includes at least one flowcontrol unit 314 provided within the housing 302. The flow control unit314 may be an operating valve of the fixture 300 for controlling flowfrom the fixture 300 through the discharge port 310, or the flow controlunit 314 may be an auxiliary flow control device for controllingauxiliary flow through the fixture 300, or the flow control unit 314 maybe both. The flow control unit 314 is schematically illustrated inphantom, and may be one of many known types of flow control devices,such as, but not limited to, a thermally sensitive actuating element,such as the actuating element 80 shown in FIG. 2, an electricallyactuated valve, a solenoid controlled bypass valve, a needle-type bypassvalve, a hydraulically actuated valve, a pneumatically actuated valve,and the like. The flow control unit 314 is configured to control theflow of water within the housing 302. For example, the flow control unitmay have multiple passages and/or chambers therein that interconnect,and direct the flow of water to, various ones of the ports 304. The flowcontrol unit 314 is fluidly coupled to at least some of the ports of thehousing 302 to direct flow therebetween. Optionally, the flow controlunit may be selectively positionable within the housing 302 to controlthe flow of water through the flow control unit. For example, the flowcontrol unit may be moved axially toward or away from one of the ports304 to fluidly couple and/or uncouple from the port. The flow controlunit may be rotated to fluidly couple and/or uncouple from one of theports. The flow control unit may have a moving component therein thatopens or closes a passage connecting one of the ports.

Optionally, the housing 302 may include more than one flow control unitthat are in fluid communication with different ones of the ports 304.Different ones of the flow control units may be in fluid communicationwith at least some of the same ports 304. Optionally, one of the flowcontrol units may be received within another of the flow control units.Alternatively, the various flow control units 314 may be received withindifferent chambers within the housing 302 and the chambers may or maynot be in fluid communication with one another.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hot water inlet port 306 is coupled to ahot water supply line and water from the hot water supply line ispermitted to flow into the housing 302 through the hot water inlet port306. The cold water port 308 is coupled to a cold water supply line andwater from the cold water supply line is permitted to flow into thehousing 302 through the cold water port 308. In at least one embodiment,water is also permitted to flow from the housing 302 through the coldwater port 308. For example, in some embodiments, hot waterrecirculation is permitted through the cold water supply line to the hotwater heater. The discharge port 310 is connected to a line or a spoutthrough which water is dispensed from the fixture 300. The auxiliaryport 312 is connected to a line, passage, device, or the like, forperforming an auxiliary function, examples of which are described below.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fixture 300 generally performs ahot/cold mixing function. The flow control unit 314 may be a mixingvalve that interconnects the hot and cold water inlet ports 306, 308 tothe discharge port 310. Depending on the position of the flow controlunit 314, the volume and/or temperature of the water discharged throughthe discharge port 310 may be controlled.

In one embodiment, the fixture 300 performs a bypass function.Optionally, the fixture 300 may perform the bypass function byinterconnecting the hot and cold inlet water ports 306, 308. The flowcontrol unit 314 controls the amount of flow from the hot water inletport 306 to the cold water inlet port 308 and permits recirculating flowthrough the cold water inlet port 308. Optionally, the flow control unitmay be the same flow control unit that performs the hot/cold mixingfunction. Alternatively, the additional flow control unit 314 may beprovided within the housing to perform the bypass function. For example,the flow control unit 314 may be a bypass valve provided within thehousing 302 for permitting bypass flow.

In an alternative embodiment, the fixture 300 performs a bypass functionutilizing the auxiliary port 312 rather than the cold water port 308.For example, the flow control unit 314 may interconnect the hot waterinlet port 306 and the auxiliary port 312, which defines a dedicated hotwater return port that is connected to a dedicated return line.Optionally, the fixture 300 may be adapted to perform the bypassfunction using either the dedicated return type of bypass or the coldwater return type of bypass. The installer or the user may be able todetermine the type of recirculation based on the type of recirculationsystem that is available in the home/building. For example, a plug orcap may be provided for restricting flow through the auxiliary/dedicatedreturn port 312, wherein if the cap is removed flow is allowed throughthe port 312, but if the cap is present, flow is restricted through theport 312 and the recirculation flow defaults to the cold water port 308.

In one embodiment, the fixture 300 performs an antiscald function. Theflow control unit 314 controls either the flow rate or the temperatureof the water discharged through the discharge port 310, such that thewater will not burn the user. Optionally, the flow control unit 314 mayinclude an antiscald device therein, or proximate thereto, that is influid communication with the auxiliary port 312. The antiscald device isconfigured to shut off flow from the discharge port 310 when the waterpressure or the water temperature is above a predetermined amount.Alternatively, the antiscald device changes the flow from one of the hotwater inlet port 306, the cold water port 308 and the auxiliary port 312to change the mixture of the water dispensed from the fixture outletport when the water temperature is above a predetermined amount. In oneembodiment, the auxiliary port 312 is in fluid communication with thecold supply line and provides additional cold water supply to thefixture 300, such that when the pressure of the water flowing throughthe cold water inlet port 308 drops, such as when a toilet is flushed,and the mixture of the hot and cold water is skewed to be hotter, theantiscald device may allow a greater flow of cold water from theauxiliary port 312 to readjust or balance the hot and cold water.Alternatively, the antiscald device may sense a temperature of the waterand when the water is too hot, the antiscald device may allow anincreased flow from the auxiliary port 312 to reduce the temperature ofthe water discharged through the discharge port 310.

In another embodiment, the fixture 300 performs a pressure balancefunction. The flow control unit 314 may control the flow rate of thewater discharged through the discharge port 310, such that the watertemperature is controlled. Optionally, the flow control unit 314 mayinclude a pressure balance device therein, or proximate thereto, that isin fluid communication with the auxiliary port 312. The pressure balancedevice changes a mixture ratio of water from at least one of the hotwater inlet port 306, the cold water inlet port 308 and the auxiliaryport 312 when a pressure of the water flowing through at least one ofthe hot water inlet port 306, the cold water port 308 and the auxiliaryport 312 fluctuates. In one embodiment, the auxiliary port 312 is influid communication with the cold supply line and provides additionalcold water supply to the fixture 300, such that when the pressure of thewater flowing through the cold water inlet port 308 drops, such as whena toilet is flushed, and the mixture of the hot and cold water is skewedto be hotter, the pressure balance device may allow a greater flow ofcold water from the auxiliary port 312 to readjust or balance the hotand cold water.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedembodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination witheach other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the inventionwithout departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials,orientations of the various components, and the number and positions ofthe various components described herein are intended to defineparameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and aremerely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modificationswithin the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of theinvention should, therefore, be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and“in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respectiveterms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, theterms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels,and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written inmeans—plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted basedon 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claimlimitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statementof function void of further structure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water control fixture, comprising: a housinghaving a plurality of ports defining a hot water inlet port, a coldwater port, a fixture outlet port, and an auxiliary port, wherein wateris dispensed from the housing via the fixture outlet port; and a flowcontrol unit operatively associated with the housing and the at leastfour ports, the flow control unit comprising an antiscald device influid communication with the auxiliary port, wherein the flow controlunit fluidly couples the at least four ports in multiple combinations ofports to perform different functions, wherein a first set of the portsis fluidly coupled to perform a first function and a second set of theports is fluidly coupled to perform a second function, wherein the flowcontrol unit fluidly couples the hot water inlet port, the cold waterport, and the fixture discharge port to perform a hot/cold mixingfunction, and wherein the flow control unit fluidly couples theauxiliary port and at least one of the hot water inlet port and thefixture discharge port to perform an antiscald function.
 2. The watercontrol fixture of claim 1, wherein the antiscald device restricts fluidflow through at least one of the fixture discharge port and theauxiliary port based on a temperature of the water flowing through theflow control unit.
 3. The water control fixture of claim 1, wherein theantiscald device restricts fluid flow through at least one of thefixture discharge port and the auxiliary port based on the waterpressure of the water flowing through the flow control unit.
 4. Thewater control fixture of claim 1, wherein the plurality of portscomprises a dedicated return port configured to be in fluidcommunication with a dedicated hot water return line, and wherein theflow control unit comprises a bypass passage in fluid communication withthe dedicated return port and the hot water inlet port, the flow controlunit permitting recirculating flow through the bypass passage.
 5. Thewater control fixture of claim 1, wherein the antiscald device changesthe flow from one of the hot water inlet port, the cold water port andthe auxiliary port to change the mixture of the water dispensed from thefixture outlet port when the water temperature is above a predeterminedamount.
 6. The water control fixture of claim 1, wherein the flowcontrol unit includes a first operating valve having the main passagefor controlling the flow of water from the hot water inlet port and thecold water port to the fixture outlet port, and wherein the flow controlunit includes a bypass valve and having the auxiliary passage forpermitting recirculating flow between the hot water inlet port and theauxiliary port.
 7. The water control fixture of claim 1, wherein theflow control unit is operable in a first set of positions that restrictwater flow through the fixture outlet port and allow water flow betweenthe auxiliary port and at least one of the hot water inlet port, thecold water port, and the fixture outlet port, a second set of positionsthat allow water flow through the fixture outlet port and allow waterflow between the auxiliary port and at least one of the hot water inletport, the cold water port, and the fixture outlet port.
 8. The watercontrol fixture of claim 7, wherein the flow control unit is operable ina third set of positions that allow water flow through the fixtureoutlet port and restrict water flow through the auxiliary port.
 9. Thewater control fixture of claim 1, further comprising a plug receivedwithin at least one of the auxiliary port and the auxiliary passage forrestricting flow through the auxiliary port.
 10. A water controlfixture, comprising: a housing having a plurality of ports defining ahot water inlet port, a cold water port, a fixture outlet port, and anauxiliary port, wherein water is dispensed from the housing via thefixture outlet port; a flow control unit operatively associated with thehousing and the at least four ports, the flow control unit comprising anantiscald device in fluid communication with the auxiliary port, whereinthe flow control unit fluidly couples the at least four ports inmultiple combinations of ports to perform different functions, wherein afirst set of the ports is fluidly coupled to perform a first functionand a second set of the ports is fluidly coupled to perform a secondfunction, wherein the flow control unit fluidly couples the hot waterinlet port, the cold water port, and the fixture discharge port toperform a hot/cold mixing function, and wherein the flow control unitfluidly couples the auxiliary port and at least one of the hot waterinlet port and the fixture discharge port to perform an antiscaldfunction; and a bypass valve in fluid communication with the hot waterinlet port and at least one of the cold water port and the auxiliaryport for permitting recirculating flow therebetween.
 11. The watercontrol fixture of claim 10, wherein the antiscald device restrictsfluid flow through at least one of the fixture discharge port and theauxiliary port based on a temperature of the water flowing through theflow control unit.
 12. The water control fixture of claim 10, whereinthe antiscald device restricts fluid flow through at least one of thefixture discharge port and the auxiliary port based on the waterpressure of the water flowing through the flow control unit.
 13. Thewater control fixture of claim 10, wherein the auxiliary port comprisesa dedicated return port configured to be in fluid communication with adedicated hot water return line, the bypass valve permittingrecirculating flow to the dedicated hot water return line.
 14. The watercontrol fixture of claim 10, wherein the bypass valve is operated basedon a temperature of the water in the flow control unit.
 15. A watercontrol fixture, comprising: a housing having a plurality of portsdefining a hot water inlet port, a cold water port, a fixture outletport, and an auxiliary port, wherein water is dispensed from the housingvia the fixture outlet port; a flow control unit operatively associatedwith the housing and the at least four ports, the flow control unitcomprising a pressure balancing device in fluid communication with theauxiliary port, wherein the flow control unit fluidly couples the atleast four ports in multiple combinations of ports to perform differentfunctions, wherein a first set of the ports is fluidly coupled toperform a first function and a second set of the ports is fluidlycoupled to perform a second function, wherein the flow control unitfluidly couples the hot water inlet port, the cold water port, and thefixture discharge port to perform a hot/cold mixing function, andwherein the flow control unit fluidly couples the auxiliary port and atleast one of the hot water inlet port, the cold water port and thefixture discharge port to perform a pressure balance function, whereinthe pressure balance device changes a mixture ratio of water from atleast one of the hot water inlet port, the cold water inlet port and theauxiliary port during performance of the pressure balance function whena pressure of the water flowing through at least one of the hot waterinlet port, the cold water port and the auxiliary port fluctuates beyonda threshold.
 16. The water control fixture of claim 15, wherein thepressure balance device restricts fluid flow through at least one of thefixture discharge port and the auxiliary port based on a water pressureof the water flowing through the flow control unit.
 17. The watercontrol fixture of claim 15, wherein the plurality of ports comprises adedicated return port configured to be in fluid communication with adedicated hot water return line, and wherein the flow control unitcomprises a bypass passage in fluid communication with the dedicatedreturn port and the hot water inlet port, the flow control unitpermitting recirculating flow through the bypass passage.
 18. The watercontrol fixture of claim 15, wherein the flow control unit includes afirst operating valve having the main passage for controlling the flowof water from the hot water inlet port and the cold water port to thefixture outlet port, and wherein the flow control unit includes a bypassvalve and having the auxiliary passage for permitting recirculating flowbetween the hot water inlet port and the auxiliary port.